Picking back up with a conversation I started in my last blog post, let’s get into why under-eye circles, age spots, and adult acne occupy so much of our attention once we turn 40. I’ll also explain why a preventative skincare routine, now more than ever, can make a world of difference.
Am I stuck with my under-eye circles?
Dark under-eye circles may have made an occasional appearance when you were younger after pulling an all-nighter, but once you turned 40, they became more of a fixture. That’s because the delicate skin under your eyes has grown thin, and will continue to become even thinner.
Facial moisturizers won’t help much, but eye creams might. They’re specially formulated with particular ingredients that target under-eye puffiness, bags, and hollowness. Even more, the most sophisticated among them are designed with a special delivery system that increases the efficacy of the ingredients.
Are age spots the same as hyperpigmentation? And can they be treated?
Hyperpigmentation is more of an umbrella term that’s used to describe any darkening or discoloration of the skin. Sometimes the cause is clear, like in the case of sunspots. But not always. Either way, it’s important to have a new age or dark spot checked out by a board-certified dermatologist because it could be linked to melasma, hormonal changes, or another condition. It could also be a form of skin cancer.
A dermatologist will also be able to recommend a course of treatment, which could entail cocktailing a strategic combination of ingredients, such as vitamins like vitamin C and niacinamide and acids like azelaic acid, kojic acid, and mandelic acid.
How do I treat adult acne with products designed for teens?
Breakouts are generally associated with adolescence, but they’re totally normal after you turn 40, too. First and foremost, make sure you’re washing off your makeup before climbing into bed at night. Your skin does most of its repair work at night, so it’s really important to make sure that it’s clean. Left on overnight, makeup and sunscreen can clog pores and lead to acne.
When pimples arise, the most effective ingredients for treating them are salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Both are completely safe for all ages, skin types, tones, and ethnicities, including melanin-rich skin.
Why your skincare routine in your 40s should be based on prevention.
Healthy, vibrant skin in your 40s isn’t only about treating changes to your skin as they crop up; it’s also about preventing them in the first place. Actually, it’s more about that. Which is why the most essential product is a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater. Not only will it prevent a variety of skincare changes, any treatments you do undergo will be counterproductive without the right sun protection for your skin.
SPF helps prevent fine lines and wrinkles by blocking the UV-A radiation that causes long-term skin damage. Wearing sunscreen on your face on a daily basis also reduces your risk of developing melanoma by a full 50%.
Confronting the Most Common Over-40 Skin Concerns (Part 1)